Month: December 2024

Pound Sterling recovers against US Dollar after reversal in sentiment

The Pound Sterling is rebounding against the US Dollar as sentiment switches for GBP’s transatlantic currency peer. Weak UK data may limit the Pound’s gains, however, as data shows UK shoppers shy away from spending in November. Technically, GBP/USD hangs onto its short-term uptrend but remains vulnerable to a reversal. submitted by /u/Denchock [link] [comments]

ECB’s Cipollone: Trump tariffs could lower Euro area economic growth and inflation

Speaking in a pre-recorded interview at a financial conference on Tuesday, European Central Bank (ECB) board member Piero Cipollone said that US tariffs would weaken the economy, translating into lower consumption and thus reduced pressure on prices. “All this put together makes me think that we will have a reduction in growth but also a reduction in inflation,” he said. Market reaction At the time of writing, EUR/USD is off the highs, trading 0.20% higher on the day at 1.0517. submitted by /u/Denchock [link] [comments]

McDonald’s transformation (MCD)

McDonald’s is having a rough time lately. Costs have skyrocketed, forcing them to raise prices by 40-50% (mostly in the U.S., but other regions aren’t much better off). Then came October’s E. coli scandal – nearly 50 people got sick, and one person even died. Add to that the not-so-great income situation of their target audience, and it’s no surprise McDonald’s has taken a hit recently. One of the anti-crisis measures is the McValue platform, which is planned to be launched in the US in January. https://preview.redd.it/2nti8q6ihl4e1.jpg?width=1168&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a95128139be09145a80681909adc4c0445bd5268 This new platform is their big move to make the menu more accessible. Here’s what’s coming: 1️⃣ $5 Meal Deal – Like a McCombo, but built slightly differently. 2️⃣ Buy One, Add Another for $1 – A new offer featuring classics and some fresh menu items. 3️⃣ “Local Deals” – Exclusive discounts or offers tailored by franchisees or specific states. 4️⃣ App-Only Specials – Designed to drive traffic to their app and onboard customers into their loyalty program. For most of its history, McDonald’s aimed to be the ultimate low-cost choice: decent quality at a fair price, without sacrificing service or atmosphere. They pulled it off through optimized labor, economies of scale, and smart franchise management. But lately: Ingredient, labor, and procurement costs are climbing fast. They either have to raise prices or cut quality, risking their reputation. The latter is happening more than they’d like. I think McDonald’s will seriously overhaul its strategy. McValue isn’t just a one-off campaign – it’s likely the first step in a larger transformation. Definitely worth keeping an eye on. 🍔 submitted by /u/FXgram_ [link] [comments]

China will ban exports of ‘dual-use items’ related to gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to the United States that take effect from Tuesday, the commerce ministry said.

https://preview.redd.it/lu4e7t37hl4e1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=7dd0040208b193c5fb79d9a6a5f284df85c9eeae This decision by China looks like a symmetrical response to the US restrictions in the semiconductor sector. The irony is that both countries claim to want to preserve global economic stability, but in practice they are increasingly deepening the technological conflict. Such actions only inflate tensions, especially in strategic industries such as semiconductors, rare earth elements, and other “key materials.” This, of course, affects not only states but also businesses that depend on these markets. What’s next – a ban on air exports? It also requires stricter review for end-user and end-usage for graphite dual-use items shipped to the U.S. The move comes after the United States launched on Monday its third crackdown in three years on China’s semiconductor industry, curbing exports to 140 companies, including chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group. submitted by /u/Pllover12 [link] [comments]